Instrument mounting



Oct 3 1950 H. `s. PAs'ruRczAk 2,524,473

l INSTRUMENT MOUNTING Filed June ze; 1947 v l 2 sneets-sheet 1 ff' f/MT/zg.

Oct. 3, l1950 H. s. PAs'ruRczAK 2.524.473

INSTRUMENT MOUNTING Filed June 26, 1947 2-Sheets-Sheet 2 aww/Ma Patented Oct. 3, 1950 INSTRUMENT MOUNTING Harry S. Pasturczak, East Moline, Ill.

Application June 26, 1947, Serial No. 757,284

4 Claims.

This invention relates to instrument mountings for adjustably supporting instruments of various kinds, including cameras.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a new and improved adjustable structure -for supporting a camera or other instruments in any desired angular position and which will permit ready and convenientadjustment of the instru- Y ment from one position to another. y

Adjustable instrument mountings of the `general class to which the present invention appertains are used quite extensively to support cameras on tripods so as to maintain the camera in any desired position. In most instances such instrument supporting devices are provided with separately operable clamping means for controlling different adjusting movements; For exam-` ple, one clamping means is provided for controlling the adjustments about a ver-tical axis of the support and another vclamp is provided for controlling adjustments about a horizontal axis of the support. In my co-pending application for Letters Patent Serial No. 571,476, led January 5, 1945, now Patent 2,424,499, granted J-uly 22, 1947, an instrument mounting is provided' with capacity for adjustment about both vertical and horizontal axes and includes means for simultaneously releasing different parts of the structure for adjusting movements about vertical and horizontal axes.

It is a specific object of the present invention to provide, in an instrument mounting of the above general class, means for holding an instrument in any desired position of adjustment relative to both vertical and horizontal axes which holding means may be selectively set in one position to so release the holding means that the instrument supported may be simultaneously adjusted about both vertical and horizontal axes, and which may be selectively set in another position to hold certain elements Yof the supporting structure from movement about a horizontal axis.

Another object is to improve instrument supports of the above character Iin various respects so as to simplify the constructions of the various parts and to improve their cooperative actions in the structureas a whole.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying .drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a side View in elevation of an instrument mounting constructed in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of the structure shown 'in Fig. l looking toward Athe right thereof.

Fig. 3 is a front view in elevation of the structure shown in Fig. 2 and showing certain of the parts thereof assembled in alternative reverse positions.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 4 4 of Fig. 2 looking in the direction -indicated by the arrows. Y

Figs. 5, 6 and 'l are similar sectional views taken on line 5-5 of Fig. 1 illustrating complementary sections of a split elbow rocked into different positions for accomplishing alternative locking functions.

Fig. 8 is a sectional View taken on line 8-8 of Fig. 5 illustrating a lock control means associated with the split elbow and showing the relative positions 4of the par-ts when the .lock control means is in a position to be installed in or -removed from its operative position.

Y Fig. 9 shows a section taken on line 9-9 together -with a plan View of the lock control means moved into a position to prevent rocking movements of the split elbow and thereby permit the said elbow to move freely about a vertical axis.

Fig.10 shows a sectional view taken on line lil-Ill together with the outside face of the lock control means when Ait is in a position to permit rocking movements of the split elbow and thereby permit simultaneously locking of the elbow and associated `parts from movement about vertical and horizontal axes and which also permits simultaneous locking of said elbow and associated parts for adjusting movements about said vertical and horizontal axes.

The improved instrument mounting of the present invention `may be described briefly as comprising a lsplit elbow A, one arm of which is mounted in a base socket yB to turn about a vertical axis. A releasable gripping member C is mounted on the other arm of the elbow A so as to turn thereon about a horizontal axis to various adjusted positions and is adapted by its gripping action on the horizontal arms of the complementary sections of the said elbow to move the vertical arms of said .sections into holding engagement with the base socket B. An instrument holding means D, vproviding a seat for the instrument E being supported, is adjustably secured to the releasable gripping member C. A means comprising anoperating handle structure F is manually operable to release the gripping pressure of member C on the split elbow so as to permit adjustmentof the member C about the horizontal arm of the splitvelbow A and to permit rotational movement of said elbow about a vertical axis. A lock control means G, preferably in the form of a abz-1,4%

cap engaging the horizontal ends of the split elbow sections is movable, selectively, into any one of four positions. The rst position (Figs. 5 and 8) permits the cap G to be removed and thereby permits the frictional gripping member C to be removed from the elbow when it is desired to reverse its position on the horizontal arms of the split elbow. When the member G is moved into its second position (see Figs. 6 and 9) the clamping pressure of the clamp C on the horizontal arms of the elbow sections is rendered ineffective to rock the elbow sections into frictional locking engagement with the socket B, but does not affect the gripping action for locking the member` C on the horizontal arms of the elbow sections, consequently, the member C may be locked in various positions on the horizontal arms of said elbow sections, while the vertical arms of the elbow sections are free to turn about a vertical axis in the socket B. The third lock control position (see Figs. 1 and l0) makes the pressure exerted on the clamp C effective to simultaneously lock the mechanism from movement about both the vertical and horizontal axes. The fourth position is not shown herein since it is substantially the same as the position shown in Figs. 6 and 9 and functions in the same manner.

The socket member B is in the form of a cylindrical base which may be secured in any suitable manner, for example by means of a screw I to the table portion I I of a tripod or other supporting structure.

The split elbow A comprises two complementary sections I2 and I3. The adjacent faces of the elbow sections are formed with co-engaging ful- I crum bearings I4 at a location intermediate their ends so that pressure applied to the horizontal arms of the elbow sections in a direction to bring said horizontal arms together, as indicated in Figs. 5, 7, 8 and 10, will force the other ends of the elbow sections apart. Consequently, the force exerted on the horizontal portions of the elbow sections will force the other ends outwardly into frictional holding engagement with the cylindrical wall I5 of the socket B so as to hold the split elbow from movement about its vertical axis.

The portion of the gripping member C which engages over the horizontal arm of the elbow A includes a body I6 having a yieldable friction band I1` The friction band is resilient and is movable into and out of clamping engagement with the horizontal end portions I8 and I9 of the split elbow. Normally the band I1 is adapted to spring outwardly in a direction to relieve its gripping action on the elbow and is forced into gripping engagement by means of a heavy spring 2U enclosed within the barrel portion 2I of an operating handle. The said barrel portion of the handle structure is secured at its outer end in a sleeve 22 by means of screws 23-23 which pass through the wall of the sleeve and into the wall of the barrel 2|. The said sleeve is clamped by a screw 24 in a split bearing 24a forming the lower portion of the body I6. This clamping action is such as to permit the handle and hand grip at the outer end thereof to be turned to various positions (see Figs. 2 and 3), but creates sufficient friction to maintain the barrel 2I and hand grip lin any adjusted position. 1

The said pressure exerting spring 2|] is operatively connected to the yieldable band I1 by means of a sectional push rod which provides a simplified connection that will permit rotation of the barrel 2i and hand grip, as above described, and

which also makes it practicable to provide a sim pliiied means for readily adjusting of the lengthwise positions of the rod sections relative to each other. The section 25 is enclosed within the barrel portion 2I of the handle and is enclosed with a n 26 for connecting the section to the flexible end portion of the strap I1. This section 25 of the operating rod is non-rotatable but is movable lengthwise to force the strap I1 finto and out of frictional holding engagement with the horizontal end of the split elbow. When the Said rod section is moved toward the right of Fig. 4, the band I1 is forced into frictional holding engagement with the sections -I8 and I9 of the split elbow. The section 21 of the operating rod is enclosed in the outer end portion of the handle and is provided with a recess 28 which receives the upper portion of a trigger 29, the latter of which is pivoted at 30. The rear end of the rod section 21 is preferably provided with a slot 3I which embraces a guide pin 32 so as to lock this section of the rod to the barrel 2|. The slot and pin engagement permits the rod section 21 to rotate with the barrel and thereby rotate relative to the rod section 25. The pressure spring 20 is interposed between the outer end of rod section 21 and an adjustable plug 33, the said plug being adjustable so as to vary the compression of the spring. The pressure movement of the rod section 21 is transmitted to the rod section 25 and to the resilient friction strap I1 by means of an adjustable presser pin 34. This pin is adjustable lengthwise of a central bore in rod section by means of a hand screw 35 threaded into said bore at the outer end of the rod section 25. This position of the hand screw 35 makes for convenience in adjusting the rod sections 25 and 21 with relation to each other. It will be observed that if the hand screw is turned out toward the right a suicient distance the forward face 31 of the trigger` 29 will engage the stop 38 and thereby arrest the forward movement of the rod 21. Consequently the pressure from spring 20 will not be transmitted to the rod section 25 and the resilient strap I1. Therefore the spring 29 lis made ineffective to force the strap I1 into clamping engagement with the split elbows and the instrument mounting may be moved freely about its vertical and horizontal axes. However, when the pin 34 is pressed into engagement with an abutment 36 on the rod section 21, the pressure from spring 20 is transmitted to the strap I1.

A follower pin 39 is pressed by a spring 40 against the forward face 31 of the trigger so as to hold the trigger 29 against the rear face of the recess 28 and thereby prevent lost motion between the trigger and the rod 21.

The upper portion of the body I6 is provided with an aperture lug 43, the opposite end portions of which are formed cone-shaped to receive the correspondingly tapered portion 44 of a clamping bolt 45. This bolt extends through a portion 46 of an adjustable pad 41 on which the instrument E is clamped. The said pad is formed to provide spaced lugs 43 and 48 which engage opposite side faces of the lug 43. The bolt 45 has .a non-rotatable connection with the lug 46 by means of a slot 49 and pin 50. Hand-operated nut 5I has threaded engagement with threaded end portion with the bolt 45 so as to clamp it firmly against the lug 43 of the clamp body I6,r but permits the bolt 45 to be released from its.-

clamping fit in the cone-shaped opening of lug 43 and to alter the angular position of the pad 41.

From the above it will be seen that Whn 111113' pin 3.4 pressed againstv pushl rod section4 2'I;r

pressure exerted by the spring 20 urges the sections 2I and 25 of the operating rod toward thev the socket B. However, when, the sp-ringm).` is` compressed by` moving the trigger 29: rearwardly the pressure, is relieved on the band I'IV so as to permit it `to move outwardly and thereby relieve its` pressure on the ends I`8-I 9 of the split elbow sections. Consequentlywhen the pressure of the band I 'I is relievedthe body I6 may be rotated about the horizontal arm of the elbow to any desired position'. While the said pressure is thus relieved from the strap II'I, it is Apossible to move the elbow freely in the socket, B to any desiredposition about its vertical axis.

It is desirable in some instances to reverse the lposition of the elbow A so as to accommodate right-hand and left-hand operation. It may also be desirable to reverse the position of the pad 'D onthe elbow. Reversals of the above character are illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3. In Fig. 2 the elbow A is in a position suitable for righthand operation operated with 'the pad D positionedv to accommodate a camera having a central mounting` whereas in Fig. 3 the elbow is turned to a reverse position for left-hand operation and the clamping pad D is re-applied therel to in a positionto accommodate a cameraA having a left-hand mounting. The clamping pads D can, of course, be changed to accommodate cameras having right-hand, central and left-hand mountings without changing the position of the elbow. It is also desirable in some situations to lock the clamping member against movement about the horizontal axis of the split elbow and at the same time permit movement of the elbow about its vertical axis.

In order to accomplish the above results, the end portions I8-I9 of the elbow sections I2 and I3 are recessed inwardly to receive the cam portion 54 of the lock control means G. The wall of the recess formed in the end I5 of section I3 is preferably under cut to provide an arcuate groove 55 and the flange 55. The cam 54 is formed with a semi-circular flange which ts back of the said arcuate flange 55 when the cap is moved into second, third and fourth positions previously described. For example, when the lock control means G in the position shown in Figs. 5 and 8 the semi-circular fiange lies wholly within the recess formed in the end I3 of the section I 2 of the split elbow. In this position the lock control G can be removed and installed as indicated by the legends on the outward face of the cap. A one-quarter turn of the cap from the position shown in Figs. 5 and 8 moves onehalf of the semi-circular cam 54 into a position back of the semi-circular flange 56. In this position equal portions of the semi-circular cam 54 lies within recesses in both end portions I8 and I9 of the sections I2 and I3 of the split elbow. Consequently the semi-circular flange holds the cap in position and the engagement o-f the curved outer edge of the cam 5t with the curved walls of the recesses in the elbow sections, prevents the ends I8--I9 of the horizontal arms of said split elbow section from being pressed toward each other.V Consequently 4when the cap-`is in the` position last described the grippingl member C may be locked on the horizontal :arms of theA split elbow sections, but the position of the cam 54 prevents movement of the elbow sections and, therefore, makes the spring 2l] ineffective to rock the sections I2 and I3 of the split elbow about the fulcrum bearings I4. The lower ends of the split elbow therefore remain free to move within the socket B about a verticalV axis. This position of the lock control means is indicated by the legend pan appearing on the outward face of the cap. Another one-quarter rotation ofV the cap moves the semi-circular flange to the third position, previously described, whereby the cam 54 lieswholly within the recess formed in the end I9 of the section I3 of the split elbow. In this position the horizontal armV portions of the split elbow may be moved to and from each other and thereby makes the spring 20 effective to simultaneously lock the gripping member C from movement about the horizontal arm of the split elbow andto lock the split elbowfrom movement about its vertical axis in the socket- B. The lock control means is held in locked position by means of a spring activated detent 5T which enters one of the several retaining pockets 58 formed in the inward face of the cam 54.

I claim:

1. An instrument mounting comprising adjustable supporting structure for the instrument including a clamping element having a iiexible portion for reieasably gripping a portion of the supporting structure to permit adjusting movements of the clamping element, a tubular operating handle revolvably supported in a portion of said clamping element, a. sectional operating rod movable'lengthwise inV said tube to release'saidiy clamping element?l and including-*f two disconnected but abutting sections, one of which is secured to the flexible portion of said clamping element and the other of which engages the first mentioned section and is revolvable with said tube, a hand operated lever extending outwardly through a wall of said tube and operatively engaging the last mentioned section of the operating rod, and a spring in the handle for forcing both ro-d sections in a direction to force said flexible portion of the clamping element into gripping engagement with an element of said supporting structure.

2. An instrument mounting comprising adjustable supporting structure for the instrument including a clamping element having a flexible portion for releasably gripping a portion of the supporting structure to permit adjusting movements of the clamping element, a tubular operating handle revolvably supported in a portion of said clamping element, a sectional operating rod movable lengthwise in said tube to release said clamping element and including two disconnected but abutting sections, one of which is secured to said clamp-ing element and the other of which engages the first mentioned section and is revolvable with said tube, a hand operated lever extending outwardly through a wall of said tube and operatively engaging the last mentioned section of the operating rod, a spring in the handle for forcing both rod sections in a direction to force said flexible portion of the clamping element into gripping engagement with an element of said subporting structure, and means connected with the outer end of the first mentioned rod section for adjusting the rod sections lengthwise relative to each other.

3. An instrument mounting comprising adjustable supporting structure for the instrument, said structure including a clamping element for releasably gripping a portion of the supporting structure to permit adjusting movements of the clamping element, a tubular operating handle revolvably supported in an element of said supporting structure, a sectional operating rod movable lengthwise in said tube to release said clamping element and including two disconnected but abutting sections, one of which is secured to said clamping element and the other of which engages the rst mentioned section and is revolvable with said tube, a hand operated lever extending outwardly through a wall of said tube and operatively engaging the second mentioned section of the operating rod, a spring in the handle for forcing said sectional rod in a direction to force said clamping element into gripping engagement with an element of said supporting structure, means including a pressure pin positioned in the rst mentioned rod section to bear against the outer end of the second section of the rod, and a hand screw threaded in the outer en-d of the rst mentioned section of the rod for adjusting the lengthwise position of said pressure pin.

4. In an instrument mounting, the combination with a base, a split elbow structure formed at one end with an arm journaled in said base for rotational movement and formed at the other end with a second arm, the elbow structure being composed of complementary sections provided on their inner faces with fulcrum bearings, Whereby rocking movements of the complementary sections of the second arm toward each other forces the complementary sections of the rst mentioned arm into frictional holding engagement with said base, means for adjustably mounting an instrument on said second arm including 'a clamp for releasably applying pressure to the second arm in a direction to rock the said complementary sections thereof about their fulcrum bearings to force the complementary sections of the first mentioned arm into said frictional holding engagement with the base; of a lock control means movably supported on the second arm for movement into and out of engagement with portions of both complementary sections thereof, whereby the pressure exerted by the clamp, when the lock control is in the first mentioned position, is effective to frictionally hold said clamp in a. xed position on said second arm, but is ineffective to rock the complementary sections of the first mentioned arm into frictional holding engagement with the base, and whereby the pressure exerted by said clamp, when said lock control is in its second mentioned position, is effective to simultaneously hold the clamp in a xed position on said second arm and to rock the complementary sections of the rst mentioned arm to said frictional holding engagement with the base.

HARRY S. PASTURCZAK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,037,162 Gent Apr. 14, 1936 2,143,606 Mooney Jan. 10, 1939 2,226,827 Moore Dec. 31, 1940 2,261,426 Willcox Nov. 4, 1941 2,318,633 Ries May 11, 1943 2,318,910 Zucker May 11, 1943 2,388,296 Simpson Nov. 6, 1945 

